Pep Guardiola hints at 'sad' exit for Manchester City star İlkay Gündoğan amid Barcelona interest
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has hinted that İlkay Gündoğan could leave the club amid interest from Barcelona.
The midfielder's contract expires in the summer of 2023, and he has yet to agree to an extension.
Guardiola said that he wants Gündoğan to stay, but he understands that the player may want to leave.
"I want him to stay, but I know that he has one year left on his contract and we are waiting for him," Guardiola said.
"If he wants to leave, I will not be sad. I will be sad, but I will not be sad.
"He is a guy who gives us a lot and if he decides to leave, we will wish him all the best for the future."
Gündoğan has been a key player for Manchester City since joining the club from Borussia Dortmund in 2016.
He has won three Premier League titles, four EFL Cups, and one FA Cup with the club.
However, he has been linked with a move to Barcelona for several months.
The Spanish club are reportedly keen to sign Gündoğan as a replacement for Sergio Busquets.
Busquets is expected to leave Barcelona at the end of the season, and Gündoğan is seen as an ideal replacement.
It remains to be seen whether Gündoğan will leave Manchester City this summer.
But Guardiola's comments suggest that the player is considering his options.
Comments